Statement of U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) Regarding Strengthening Small Business Research and Development

Legislation Will Modernize R&D Funding Programs to Small Businesses and Spur Job Creation

Meek: Small Businesses are the Lifeblood of South Florida and Communities across the Country

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) issued the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009:

"In these challenging economic times, it is critical that we make strategic investments and lay a solid foundation for long-term economic growth and prosperity. Small businesses are the lifeblood of South Florida and communities across the country. By supporting the research and development efforts of small businesses, we are taking important steps to innovate our way out of the current recession," Meek said.

"This bipartisan legislation is just what the doctor ordered. This Act will help create small business jobs by increasing R&D grants and strengthening the relationship between the federal government and small business innovators."

Specifically, H.R. 2965 will reauthorize and modernize the Small Business Innovation (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Act will increase the size of small business R&D grants, bring new firms into the SBIR program, and provide necessary support for the vital commercialization stage of R&D. It is estimated that the SBIR and STTR programs help generate 1,500 start-up ventures each year.

The U.S. Small Business Administration was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line remains the same: The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses.

Through the SBIR and STTR programs, the SBA Office of Technology ensures that the nation's small, high-tech innovation businesses are a significant part of the federal government's research and development efforts. Eleven federal departments currently participate in the SBIR program. Five departments participate in the STTR program awarding $2 billion to small, high-tech businesses.

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17^th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Florida Democrat sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

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